11/10/15

Even if you're not "Lovin' It" McDonald's latest promo proves hard to ignore. Download the app to receive virtual coupons, including one for a free sandwich. That deal might not appear instantly. Mine came over a month after sign up: http://bit.ly/1WM35hF.

In addition to #WakeUpWednesdays, which offers a free hot or iced coffee of any size, Cosi will give New Yorkers a free sandwich on Fridays from 11 am to close until 11/20. Sign up for the coupon here: http://bit.ly/1NZmqdd. If you don't live in NYC, never fear, Cosi's eclub sends offers directly to your inbox, so check that out!

10/6/15

Dunkin' Donuts: Live in a city that hosts an NFL team? Download the DD Perks app to score $.25 medium hot or iced coffee the day after your team wins. Plus, Dunkin' will throw in a free drink at sign up and on your birthday and every time you reach 200 points

7-Eleven: Some swear 7-Eleven has stellar coffee. Judge the retailer for free from Oct. 12 - Oct. 18. During Free Coffee Week, any size hot coffee is free for 7Rewards members who "pay" with the app. And, if you're actually a fan, pay for your coffee and fountain drinks with the app since every 7th cup is free.

Pret a Manger: Known for its menu of all-natural entrees, Pret also sells organic coffee for about 1.75 a cup. If you like yours hot grab a free self-serve refill.

9/19/15

There's still time to feel the customer love at Whole Foods' Love Fest. Besides 25 cent coffee all month, the chain also offers weekly specials like 80 cent yogurt, marked down bakery treats, and soap for a buck.

8/20/15

Science fiction and fantasy are book genres I haven’t delved in. Surprising since I religiously tuned into TV shows revolving around other
worldly plot lines. I happened upon a paperback copy of Amazonia in a recycling bin. It appeared in mint condition, almost unread. The cover, green and gold with cutouts showing menacing figures, grabbed my attention.

James Rollins’ story lagged initially. I attribute the disconnect in part to trying to reconcile multiple character viewpoints and settings.
Generally, I read novels with fewer main characters. Each act began with a page listing scientific aspects of a particular botanical species. This info tied back to themes involving the rainforest’s hidden, healing properties.

Amazonia held my interest as I read on, particularly when a group of core characters arrived in the Amazon and faced
attack upon attack. The rainforest evolved as a setting and a character. It ultimately emerged as a nemesis and hero all in one. If you appreciate unpredictability, you’ll appreciate Amazonia’s smart and suspenseful plot.

8/6/15

Want to get your groove on without going broke? Brooklyn serves up free, family friendly summertime events:

The Archway under the Manhattan Bridge offers a prime backdrop for art and culture. Thursdays through October, Dumbo's Live at the Archway series hosts DJs and musicians from an array of genres. Hours vary within the 5 - 9 PM time range. http://bit.ly/1JOeU4o

7/10/15

If the obligatory pre-meal bread offering draws you in the main course better rock, right? Surprisingly scrumptious loaves topped with cheese come with two delectable spreads and threaten to fill tummies before the main event.

Be bold and order prime rib, like my sis. Or strategically choose a small plate, like me, to save room for dessert. From French onion soup to braised short ribs to carrot cake, Fleming's will not disappoint.

Despite being a chain, the customer love is evident. Fleming's even rewards diners with birthday and anniversary treats. Check out FlemingsSteakhouse.com to find a location nearby.

6/12/15

In the midst of a heat wave, I don't even want to think about turning on an oven.

This salad uses my Citrus Marinade as a dressing. Both items are quick and easy to prepare. Even though the cheese is in the meat, it still shines through. Plus, not purchasing the asiago and salami separately saves dough!

You'll need approximately:

6 oz log of all-natural, cured salami with asiago cheese

1 large cucumber

2 large purple carrots, including tops

1 cup of marinated kalamata olives

citrus marinade

Coarsely chop all ingredients except the olives. Combine the meat and veggies then dress with marinade. That's it folks! Serving sizes vary
.

4/11/15

Check your accounts MyPanera members. You have a choice of one free hot or iced coffee every day in April! No purchase necessary; any size. Not a member? What better excuse to sign up? Plus, get a free treat for registration and on your birthday.

3/29/15

Spring is upon us. Time to perk up our wardrobes! Why not start with shoes? Previously I avoided DSW because its prices pierced the high end of my budgeting limitations. Then I discovered tactics for shopping there without going broke.

Don't let the name fool you, this shoe warehouse also sells accessories including purses and scarves. By combining both methods I scored a pair of in-season snow boots for $30, bedroom slippers for $1.99, and a leather wallet that doubles as a phone case for .49 cents.

3/22/15

A plethora of eateries exist within Chelsea Market. Without much info on any of them and in dire need of nutrition, I chose the one with the freshest looking food. Yes, I stalked some strangers' plates.

Los Tacos, reminiscent of a south-of-the-border roadside stand, had a line much longer than its competition. A sure sign of greatness. Right?

Going against that instinctual voice in my head, I bypassed the pork spinning on a rotisserie and opted for a carne asada tostada. What an error! The effort required to chew the meat detracted from the flawless flavors of the tostada, avocado, and salsa. My mouth definitely underwent an aerobic workout.

3/14/15

Love the lure of free music but want to avoid sketchy, illegal downloads? Google Play offers a variety of gratis, good (yes, good!) music. Check out the offerings by entering "free music" in the search box. Happy listening!

3/7/15

As I write this post, I'm still hungry. Having skipped breakfast and lunch, I needed a hearty dinner asap. Samantha's Southern Cooking won out over the competition because it was near my last errand and I had a 50% off deal. Clue number one that my meal might disappoint: a tiny crumb floating in my water glass. I pushed it aside. I planned on drinking my bottled water anyway. Clue number two, two guests told the waiter they did not enjoy whatever was in their bowls. Although unable to hear the details, their grimaces said it all. Hhmmm. Stay or go? Those same diners moved on to dessert and cleaned their plates. I decided to stay.

My fried pork chop sandwich included two huge portions of meat, way too much for the meager bun. A smarter choice would've been one portion cut in half to cut down on the thickness. After picking some of the char off of one slice of bread, I realized the other piece was practically burnt instead of toasted. Even worse, the meat was overcooked and tough. Cutting it with my fork and eating smaller pieces did not improve matters much.

I contemplated mentioning my disdain to the servers. Both glanced at me, but neither stopped by my table. The twice-baked macaroni provided a distraction. Peppery with undertones of mustard, it had just enough cheese and plenty of flavor. Now back to the sandwich.

The male server offered a to-go box. I pointed out the deficiencies in my entree. He apologized and said he would speak to his manager. She came over after helping other guests and indirectly asked what was going on. I asked her if the server relayed my issues and ended up repeating them to her. She removed my plate and said she would take care of it.

Minutes later, she informed me that they were remaking the entree. I would have prefered a refund instead of a remake and expressed that. However the manager, who is also Samantha's sister, advised me they had already started cooking a replacement. I told her that I rarely send food back but had to speak up. She assured me that they serve freshly-prepared and seasoned meat. I questioned the bun, stating that it did not look or taste like focaccia. She said it wasn't and realized that the menu was incorrect. The manager mentioned that they bought the bread from a local bakery.

She delivered my new sandwich and returned shortly to ask if it was up to par. I said it was even though I'd only tasted a tiny end portion. The manager said, "I'm sorry about that sweetheart," when she delivered my receipt. I requested a to-go box and left, eager to return home where I had backup food available. The new chops proved just as tough as the prior ones. I tossed the meat in the trash. Oh Samantha, this southern gal wanted a taste of home. Clearly I didn't find it.

2/1/15

Need java to rev up in the mornings? Try one of Community Coffee's blends and support military personnel in the process. The retailer generously matches your purchase so those serving us can get a taste of home.

1/19/15

Fueled by a mere handful of pistachios for breakfast, I needed nourishment. I'd been craving chicken for a few days and scoured reviews for joints offering fried goodness reminiscent of that served Down South. Every establishment's good commentary had an evil twin. By mid-afternoon I discovered Blue Ribbon Chicken. The eatery won by default. Brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg run it and other themed spots around the city. Although I've visited none of the others, I figured they'd more than likely deliver an appetizing meal.

I decided to go a la carte and chose a Mighty Wing, instead of a regular one, and onion rings. While I waited, I asked a manager if they made the ice cream. He affirmed that they did and asked what flavor I thought looked interesting. I also noticed another manager visiting guests' tables. One employee's sole job consisted of cleaning the dining room. Kudos for staff attentiveness!

Almost embarrassingly so, I dove in seconds after my order arrived. The wing lacked that buttermilk dipped, heavily-floured coating I expected based on meals of fried chicken past. Between their signature spice mix and frying techniques, the owners did manage to create a crispy, light and flavorful crust. I ate every bit of skin I could pry off the bone.

As I did so, I thought of how the preparation seemed simultaneously simple and elevated. The rings had the sort of crust I expected the chicken to have. They reminded me of those served in most Savannah seafood restaurants.

I dipped portions of my Mighty Wing and onion rings in the honey mustard and bbq sauces although the chicken and rings tasted fine on their own. Freshly prepared, both condiments had a thin consistency but packed a surprisingly flavorful punch.

Dessert, complimentary banana salted caramel ice cream, topped off the meal. I'm not a huge banana fan but wanted to try it because I enjoy homemade caramel. As I scraped up every bit possible, I conjured up memories of every scoop I'd ever encountered. I must say this dessert edged out my previous favorite, High Road Craft Ice Cream's carrot variety.

I realized after reviewing Blue Ribbon's website that the manager who delivered the treat was one of the owners. With food, service, and an atmosphere that are all on point Blue Ribbon Chicken is bound to become a favorite.